Conference Program

In an increasingly interconnected world, city diplomacy and paradiplomacy have gained prominence, reshaping conventional perspectives on IR focused on nation-states as “actors” on the global stage. After decades of dedicated efforts in building foreign relationships, cities and regions have firmly entrenched themselves within the international community. This roundtable discussion will focus on exploring the roles, strategies, and impacts of cities and regions on IR and foreign policy-making. Its rationale stems from the evolving landscape of global politics, where subnational entities are emerging as crucial players. They are becoming proactive contributors to global agendas, addressing challenges from climate change, migrations, pandemics to economic development. This shift necessitates a deeper examination of how these entities navigate the complex realm of IR, what roles they (can) play, the strategies they employ, and the challenges they face.

Considering the complexity, the roundtable discussion will seek answers to questions, that are important from the perspective of paradiplomacy researchers as well as a wide range of IR scholars, including: what roles are cities and regions carving out for themselves in international affairs? How might the role of subnational entities in IR evolve? How can they enhance their impact and effectiveness through innovative strategies? How are cities and regions tackling the challenges and turning these into opportunities for global cooperation and innovation? This roundtable aims to contribute to the growing field of IR by highlighting the pivotal role of subnational actors in shaping global governance, offering a platform for sharing experiences and envisioning future pathways.